A fast method for the numerical solution of thermal-elastohydrodynamic lubrication problems

The paper presents a method for the numerical solution of the elastohydrodynamic lubrication problem in line contacts, which includes thermal and rheological effects. The method consists in alternating repeatedly the solution of a generalised Reynolds equation and of the energy equation. In both cases use is made of a finite-element technique. Since the method proves to be very fast, a computer program has been developed which runs on common personal computers. Results (presented for two values of load parameter and for a range of values of slip/roll ratio up to 50%) show that thermal and non-Newtonian effects can strongly influence the film thickness and are essential for a reasonable evaluation of traction force. In this connection, the dimensionless parameter K (which depends on the equi valent curvature radius as well as on thermal conductivity and other material parameters) appears to be determinant.